Camus' philosophical view of the absurd is clearly reflected. For instance, in his short stories, characters often find themselves in situations that lack rational explanation. This shows the absurdity of life. His belief in individual freedom is also shown as characters are sometimes faced with choices that test their freedom and how they respond to it.
Camus' best short stories are a mirror of his philosophical views. His nihilistic tendencies can be seen in the sense of futility that some of his characters experience. However, at the same time, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of the characters' attempts to find meaning. His concept of the 'absurd hero' is also present, where the protagonist faces the absurdity of life with courage and integrity, which is a central tenet of his philosophical thinking.
In his stories, Vonnegut often criticizes the dehumanizing aspects of modern society. For example, in 'Harrison Bergeron', the forced equality shows his concern about society's over - emphasis on sameness at the cost of individuality.
Philosophical dystopian novels often reflect on society by showing the extreme consequences of certain trends. For example, if a society becomes too focused on control, like in '1984', it can lead to a loss of freedom and individuality. They also reflect on values. In 'Brave New World', the way people are engineered for happiness shows how society might sacrifice deeper meaning and freedom for the sake of a false sense of contentment.
One of his best short stories is 'The Guest'. It presents a complex moral dilemma. A schoolteacher in an Algerian village is given the task of escorting an Arab prisoner. He has to decide whether to follow the law or his own sense of justice and mercy.
His stories often show the economic disparities. For instance, in many of his works, we can see poor characters struggling to make ends meet while the rich seem to have everything. This reflects the class divide in his time.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', it reflects the Victorian society's repression of certain aspects of human nature. The strict moral code of the time made people suppress their darker desires, which is shown through Jekyll's transformation into Hyde.
Hardy short stories show the social hierarchies. The upper class often has more power and privilege, while the lower class struggles. For example, in some stories, poor farmers are exploited. Also, they reflect the role of women, who were restricted in many ways.
Conrad's short stories are a mirror of his view of the world in multiple ways. His stories are full of characters who are struggling in a world that seems to be against them. He portrays the duplicity of human nature, how people can be both good and bad at the same time. In his colonial - themed stories, he depicts the exploitation and the power dynamics that were prevalent during that era. This not only shows his critical view of imperialism but also his understanding of how power can corrupt. His exploration of the psychological states of his characters also indicates that he believes the world has a profound impact on the individual's mental and moral state.
On the other hand, they also suggest that society is becoming more open to exploring different relationship dynamics. By the existence of these stories, whether in literature or in modern media, it shows that people are starting to think about relationships in more complex ways, not just adhering to the old - fashioned norms.
One notable feature is the exploration of the absurd. In stories like 'The Guest', Camus presents characters in situations where they face the incomprehensible nature of the world. Another is his concise yet profound writing style. He can convey deep philosophical ideas in just a few pages. Also, his characters often struggle with moral dilemmas, which makes the stories thought - provoking.
His short stories often reflect a world full of inequalities. Berger was sensitive to the disparities between different social classes, genders, and cultures. Through his characters and their experiences, he shows how these inequalities play out in everyday life. For example, a poor character might struggle to access basic resources while the wealthy take them for granted.